In a recent interview with Football Insider, former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton shared his thoughts on John McGinn’s potential transfer to Newcastle United this summer when he said,
“I think he has given his all.
“Every fan would know that. He is a fans’ favourite. Every time he goes onto the pitch he gives 110 per cent – always.
“They would be gutted if he was to leave but they would not hold it against him if he went to a big team. They would be more disappointed if he went to Newcastle. Newcastle and Villa are in the same bracket so they would not see that as a step up but if we are talking Man U, I do not think you can hold it against him.
“He gives everything for the shirt.”
Why The Villans Cannot Afford To Lose McGinn This Summer
The Daily Star had recently reported that the Magpies boss Steve Bruce was planning on a £30m raid for the Scottish playmaker if the Villans were to get relegated from the Premier League this season. Hutton makes a valid point when he states that the Villa fans would excuse McGinn if he decides to seal a move to St. James’ Park. However, with Dean Smith also facing a battle to keep Jack Grealish out of the clutches of Manchester United, losing another one of his star players in McGinn would be a disastrous blow for the Midlands club in their bid to recover from in the coming years.
Even if Villa were to get demoted to the Championship at the end of this campaign, they need to retain some of their best players in order to have any hopes of bouncing back straightaway in the following season. McGinn has enjoyed a brilliant rise at Villa Park since joining from Hibernian in the summer of 2018. He helped the Midlands outfit secure a promotion in his debut season before going on to have an impressive spell with them in the Premier League this term.
McGinn’s Eye-Catching Debut Season In The English Top-Flight
The Scottish midfield ace has put in several industrious displays under the stewardship of Dean Smith so far and has become a real favourite among the Villa supporters. He has scored three goals and provided two assists in 20 appearances for the Villans this season in all competitions which highlight his growing influence at the West Midlands. More importantly, McGinn had made an impact at both ends of the pitch after averaging 2.5 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 0.7 clearances, 2.1 shots, 1.5 key passes and 2.3 dribbles in every 90 minutes of league football before the season got postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic (stats via whoscored).
What Does The 21-Time Scotland International Bring To The Table?
McGinn is a hard-working midfielder who is versatile enough to play in multiple positions across the centre of the park. Smith has often used him as a box to box midfielder, but he can also fill in as a holding midfielder or as a wide player down the left flank if required. His versatility and tireless work ethic make him a valuable asset for the Villans. The Scottish playmaker has also contributed by scoring and creating his fair share of goals from midfield.
Final Verdict: Should Smith Let McGinn Go To Newcastle This Summer?
Unless Aston Villa manage to keep hold of Grealish, they should not part ways with McGinn this summer. He is currently playing at his peak and has established himself as a productive member of Smith’s squad. The West Midlands giants will struggle to replace a player of McGinn’s quality especially if they end up moving down to the EFL Championship at the end of this campaign.
